The Dragon Bravo Fire, which started on July 4 after being ignited by lightning, is currently burning within the park.
As of Friday evening, the fire had burned 150 acres (61 hectares) but was not contained, according to a US government incident report.
“Due to the approaching Dragon Bravo Fire within Grand Canyon National Park, all North Rim residents should now be in ‘GO’ status and leave immediately,” Grand Canyon National Park stated on Facebook.
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“Due to the approaching Dragon Bravo Fire within Grand Canyon National Park, all North Rim residents should now be in ‘GO’ status and leave immediately,” the park stated on Facebook.
Approximately 500 visitors at the North Rim, which is less popular than the South Rim, were evacuated on Thursday night.
A larger blaze, known as the White Sage Fire, is also burning near Jacob Lake north of the park. Evacuation orders and road closures have been implemented in that area as well.
This fire, which was also started by lightning, has burned 10,973 acres and is not contained, according to the Arizona Bureau of Land Management.
“Strong, gusty winds, low relative humidity and critically dry vegetation in rugged terrain continue to challenge firefighting resources,” the bureau stated.
Image: National Parks Service/dpa/picture alliance
In neighboring Colorado, several fires ignited by lightning have forced the evacuation of all visitors and staff from Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park.
Recent hot and dry weather conditions in the western US have increased the risk of wildfires.
Edited by: Louis Oelofse
